Standing Seam Metal Roofing is taking Austin by Storm!
If you’re looking for the best roofing in Austin, you should consider a metal roof.
- -It’s highly reflective, reducing heat absorption and thus lowering cooling costs.
- -It fully resists fire and is highly resistant to wind, rain, snow, mold, and mildew.
- -It requires very little in the way of maintenance and lasts 30-50 years on average.
- -It has even been considered so safe by insurers that it can lead to lower premiums.
However, that’s not the whole story. As with any other major home investment, you want to be sure you are getting the absolute best product for your money. There are several different kinds of metal roofing in Austin, and the best around is standing seam metal roofing.
What is Standing Seam Metal Roofing?
Standing seam roof panels are even more resilient and durable than first-gen metal roofing. They are designed to have a distinctive appearance with panels running vertically along the whole length of the roof. The interlocking seams securely join one panel to the next.
People notice right away that this provides them with a striking alternating pattern of shadow and seams, giving a brilliant modern appearance for the roof. However, the big secret here is how well this approach to metal roofing supports long-term strength and durability.
When standing seam roofing is fabricated and installed correctly, the seams are remarkably strong with no visible fasteners. This makes the whole structure much more secure and prevents a lot of problems associated with traditional flashing seen on a shingle roof.
Snap-Lock Metal Roofing is the Best of the Bunch
There are several varieties of metal roofing in Austin, so it’s important to select both a trustworthy roofer and the right metal roofing style. Many types have been tried on residential, commercial, and even agricultural buildings – but snap-lock standing seam metal roofing is the best there is.
In general, the most effective way to make a roof stronger – and one of the easiest – is to make sure any fastenings are protected from pressure and the elements. Unfortunately, many early-stage metal roofs still have exposed fasteners or nailing strips that are hard to install.
Snap-lock metal roofing uses clip fasteners that ensure the individual roofing panels can always expand or contract with changes in temperature. The fasteners are concealed, reinforcing them. All in all, they are easier to repair and less stress than either single- or double-lock.
Galvalume Coating Increases the Value and Durability of Your Standing Seam Metal Roof
If you remember seeing early metal roofing on barns or other agricultural buildings, you might be curious what makes standing seam metal roofing more durable against rust than last generation roofing systems. Done right, you will never need to worry about corrosion compromising your standing seam metal roof!
This is a big concern, which is why we exclusively use Galvalume-coated metal panels.
Galvalume is a high-performance anti-corrosion coating that uses the latest discoveries in materials science to extend the life of your roof. Its special formula mixes zinc with other ingredients, creating the best anti-rust coating on the market. In effect, it stops rust in its tracks before it can ever develop.
The Galvalume coating could be only a millimeter thick, but it holds a tremendous amount of power. As a sacrificial coating, it performs better over time than a standard galvanized metal roof. While galvanized metal coatings are 100% zinc, Galvalume also incorporates some silicon and aluminum.
With enough time and moisture exposure, most anti-corrosion coatings will have some performance problems. Many of them will need an additional coating to restore their original qualities. This is not so when it comes to Galvalume. Corrosion of a treated standing seam metal roof is virtually unknown.
The Biggest Issue with a Standing Seam Metal Roof in Austin and How to Solve It
Many prospective owners of a standing seam metal roof are excited to hear that it lasts for so long. Dollar for dollar, it has a strong claim to the best longevity of any residential roof. But does that mean a standing seam metal roof never needs maintenance? Here’s what you should know to make an informed choice.
If your standing seam metal roof is ever going to have a maintenance problem, it will probably arise from poor installation practices. Choosing an Austin metal roofer you can trust is a big part of making sure you get the most value from it. If roofing panels are mismatched in a botched installation, leaks happen very quickly.
With that in mind, Longhorn Roofing fabricates its custom metal roofing panels right on site.
Our use of custom metal panels ensures that the roof is completely protected and that the roofing system and structural elements work together. There are no gaps to deal with like there might be if you use metal roofing panels from a hardware center. Plus, any of the panels can easily be replaced in the future if needed.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Repair and Routine Maintenance
Once your new metal roof is installed in Austin, the hard part is over. A standing seam metal roof is so strong that even a direct hit from a large hailstone usually leaves only superficial damage. The standing seams provide a huge amount of support for the roof’s fasteners and under normal circumstances are virtually unbreakable.
That said, it isn’t the case that the roof can go completely without any maintenance at all.
Under normal circumstances, we recommend Austin homeowners with a shingle roof get it inspected at least once a year. The best time to schedule your annual roof inspection in Austin is a few weeks before the start of summer. This prepares you for storm season and gives you the time you need to get work done on the roof.
A standing seam metal roof in Austin has fewer issues that it’s vulnerable to. With that in mind, it is usually okay to get a roof inspection every other year. If you notice visible damage after a weather event, give your local metal roofer a call. It’s especially important not to climb up on a metal roof yourself!
Not only is it dangerous for homeowners to get up on the roof, but it is also likely to cause damage. Even if you are used to moving around on a shingle roof, you need a whole different set of skills (not to mention shoes!) to get safely on a metal roof. It is not worth the risk for a job the professionals can do in less than an hour.
Even when a standing seam metal roof looks scratched or dented – which is rare – there’s usually no loss of performance. In the event that a metal panel is compromised, it can be quickly taken down and replaced. That’s one more benefit of working with an Austin metal roofer who only does custom metal roofing panels.
With earlier generation roofing systems, it was not unusual to have a roofer pound out a dent and then re-use the affected panel. This is no longer necessary or advisable in most cases. Instead of subjecting the existing panel to more stress that can weaken it, it can simply be replaced with a tough, all-new panel.
Longhorn Roofing of Austin Offers the Latest Standing Seam Metal Roofing
At Longhorn Roofing, we’re passionate about helping you choose the ideal metal roof for you. We install it right the first time to give you a beautiful roof and peace of mind.
For more than thirty years, our team has installed hundreds of commercial and residential metal roofs all over the Austin area. We stand behind each one of our projects with written estimates you can trust.
To find out more, contact us today.
